Taiwo Oyedele, a well-known Nigerian economist and public policy expert, has expressed his view that saying “May Nigeria not happen to you” is not patriotic. This statement challenges a widely used phrase among Nigerians, especially in the context of the nation’s numerous socio-economic and political challenges. To understand why Oyedele’s perspective is significant, it’s essential to explore the deeper implications of this phrase and how it reflects a broader discourse about national identity, civic responsibility, and the collective struggle for a better Nigeria.
The phrase “May Nigeria not happen to you” has become a common way of expressing sympathy or caution towards someone who faces the difficulties inherent in living in Nigeria. It is often used in situations where people face hardships such as poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, economic inequality, or other societal challenges that are prevalent in the country. The phrase essentially wishes that the individual is spared from the burdens and frustrations that come with navigating life in Nigeria, which many Nigerians have come to see as an arduous, often unrewarding experience.
From Oyedele’s perspective, this expression is problematic because it reflects a lack of faith in Nigeria’s potential and undermines national pride and patriotism. He argues that such sentiments contribute to a mindset that is overly negative about the country and its future. In essence, by wishing that Nigeria does not “happen” to someone, there is an implicit rejection of the very nation that should be a source of pride, unity, and collective growth. This sentiment is not just detrimental on an individual level but is also a disservice to the country as a whole.
Patriotism, as Oyedele suggests, involves a commitment to the nation, a belief in its potential, and a willingness to work towards its improvement. Patriotism is not just about enduring the challenges of a country but also about contributing to its development and progress. Wishing that Nigeria “does not happen” to someone is an abdication of responsibility towards fostering positive change. It can be seen as an acceptance of the status quo of dysfunction and neglect, rather than a call to action to reform the country.
Moreover, the phrase “May Nigeria not happen to you” inadvertently perpetuates a culture of avoidance. When faced with the country’s challenges, many Nigerians seek opportunities abroad, looking for better prospects and a higher quality of life. This emigration, often referred to as the “brain drain,” has led to a loss of skilled labor, talent, and resources that could otherwise be used to help transform Nigeria. The phrase reflects an attitude that favors escape over engagement with the pressing issues at home. It’s as though the optimal solution is to leave Nigeria behind rather than to confront and address the problems that exist.
This sentiment is particularly problematic when considering the collective nature of nation-building. Nigeria, like any other country, faces its share of problems corruption, economic disparity, infrastructural decay, and insecurity. However, these problems are not insurmountable. Every country in the world has faced challenges at different points in its history. What distinguishes those that overcome their difficulties from those that do not is the willingness of their citizens to contribute to the solutions.
Oyedele’s critique of the phrase also ties into the idea of leadership. Nigeria’s challenges are not merely a consequence of bad governance or political incompetence; they are also a result of the apathy and disengagement of the populace. A nation’s future is shaped by the actions of its citizens, and if those citizens are not willing to stay and engage in the hard work of nation-building, then the country’s problems are only going to persist.
For Oyedele, the patriotic response would be to say, “May Nigeria happen to you,” with the understanding that facing the challenges of the country is part of the larger mission of national development. It would mean being involved in finding solutions to Nigeria’s myriad problems, whether through social activism, entrepreneurship, or public service. Rather than seeking to avoid the difficulties that come with being Nigerian, a true patriot would embrace them, using their skills and resources to effect change.
Patriotism is not a passive feeling but an active process. A patriotic citizen does not look at Nigeria as a land of hopelessness but as a country with immense potential. Despite its problems, Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, and it is home to some of the most vibrant and innovative individuals on the continent. The way forward is not to escape from Nigeria but to invest in it, to improve it, and to make it a better place for future generations.
In conclusion, Taiwo Oyedele’s argument that saying “May Nigeria not happen to you” is unpatriotic is a call to shift the narrative about Nigeria. Rather than seeing the country’s difficulties as insurmountable obstacles, Nigerians must adopt a mindset of constructive engagement and active participation. Patriotism, as Oyedele sees it, is about embracing the challenges of the nation and contributing to its growth and development. Instead of wishing to escape the nation’s problems, citizens should be driven to solve them, for only then can Nigeria truly fulfill its potential as a great and prosperous nation.